Method and apparatus for making smoked food

ABSTRACT

An inlet ( 11   a ) and an exit ( 11   b ) are formed at opposite ends of a chamber ( 11 ), and transporting device ( 12 ) is moved into the chamber from the inlet toward the outlet. The transporting device is constituted to transport a plurality of works ( 19 ) at predetermined intervals. Disposed within the chamber is a pair of electrode plates ( 13, 14 ) along the longitudinal direction of the transporting device and at predetermined distances from the works, respectively so as to interpose the works between the pair of electrode plates. Smoke to be adhered to and infiltrated into works is constitutionally generated by smoke generating device ( 16 ) and introduced into the chamber. Applied between the pair of electrode plates is a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV by a high voltage generating circuit, and works are grounded, this reduces the amount of electric power consumption, downsizes the apparatus, and renders the smoke to uniformly adheres to and infiltrates into works, to thereby improve the quality of smoked foods.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus therefor foradhering smoke to farm products, marine products and livestock productsor processed foods thereof and for infiltrating the smoke into them, tothereby manufacture smoked foods. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a method and an apparatus therefor for adheringsmoke to the aforementioned farm products and the like and forinfiltrating the smoke into them, by utilizing a Coulomb force betweenthe farm products and the like and the smoke electrified within anelectric field.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been known a conventional electrical smoking method in which apair of electric wires mutually separated by a predetermined distanceare arranged within a chamber, works such as fish and meat are hung fromthe electric wires, a direct current or alternating current of a highervoltage (10 kV to 20 kV) is applied across the electric wires to therebygenerate corona discharge, and furthermore, smoke is generated from afire grate at the bottom of the chamber.

There has been known another conventional electrical smoking method inwhich a pair of mutually opposed electrodes are arranged within achamber, food products such as fish and meat are arranged between thepair of electrodes, a higher voltage (such as 40 kV) is applied acrossthe electrodes, and smoke generated by smoke generating means isintroduced into the chamber.

In each of the aforementioned electrical smoking method, the smokegenerated by the fire grate or the smoke generating means is suppliedwith ions thanks to the corona discharge, so that the thus electrifiedsmoke is attracted to the food product acting as an electrode. Thisresults in rapid adherence and infiltration of the smoke to and into thefood product, to thereby provide a smoked food having a superior storagecharacteristic.

However, the aforementioned electrical smoking methods utilize anelectric field within a corona discharged area, thereby causing aproblem of an extremely large amount of electric power consumption andan enlarged size of the apparatus.

Further, in each of the aforementioned electrical smoking methods, sincethe corona discharge is conducted between the electrodes and the foodproduct, the smoke ununiformly adheres to and infiltrates into the foodproduct, thereby causing a problem of a deteriorated quality of thesmoked food.

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide asmoking method and an apparatus therefor capable of reducing the amountof electric power consumption and of downsizing the apparatus.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a smokingmethod and an apparatus therefor capable of uniformly adhering andinfiltrating smoke to and into a food product such as a farm product tothereby improve the quality of the smoked food.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a smokingmethod and an apparatus therefor capable of improving an efficiency ofadherence and infiltration of smoke to and into a food product, tothereby effectively utilize the smoke and finish the food product into adelicious smoked food.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

There will be described the constitution of the present invention forachieving the above objects.

The invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, is a smoking method comprisingthe steps of: transporting grounded food products 19 at a predeterminedspeed into a chamber 11 by transporting means 12, the food products 19comprising farm products, marine products and livestock products orprocessed foods thereof, and applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kVto 15 kV between a pair of electrode plates 13, 14 disposed along thetransporting means 12 within the chamber 11 so as to interpose the foodproduct 19 between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14, so as not tostart discharge.

According to the smoking method, application of the voltage between thepair of electrode plates 13, 14 leads to generation of an electric fieldincapable of initiating discharge between the pair of electrode plates13, 14 to thereby electrify the smoke, and the thus electrified smokeadheres to and infiltrates into food products 19 by a Coulomb forcebased on the electric potential difference between the pair of electrodeplates 13, 14. Further, since no discharge such as corona discharge isinitiated between the electrode plates 13, 14 and food products 19, theelectrified smoke uniformly adheres to and infiltrates into the foodproducts 19.

The invention, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or in FIG. 11, is a smokingmethod comprising the steps of: introducing smoke into a chamber 71containing therein food products 19 and electrode plates 73, 74alternately arranged with each other at predetermined intervals, andapplying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between theelectrode plates 73, 74 or between the food products 19, so as not tostart discharge.

According to the smoking method application of the voltage between theelectrode plates 73, 74 or between food products 19 leads to generationof an electric field incapable of initiating discharge between theelectrode plates 73, 74 or between food products 19 to thereby electrifythe smoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres to and infiltratesinto food products 19 by a Coulomb force based on the electric potentialdifference between the electrode plates 73, 74 or between food products19.

The invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, is a smoking methodcomprising the steps of: introducing smoke into a chamber 91 containingtherein first and second electrodes 111, 112 arranged at predeterminedintervals, and electrically connecting first and second food products101, 102 to the first and second electrodes 111, 112, respectively, andapplying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the firstand second electrodes 111, 112 so as not to start discharge.

According to the smoking method, application of the voltage between thefirst and second electrodes 111, 112 leads to generation of an electricfield incapable of initiating discharge between the first and secondfood products 101, 102 to thereby electrify the smoke, and the thuselectrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates into first and second foodproducts 101, 102 by a Coulomb force based on the electric potentialdifference between the first and second food products 101, 102.

The invention is a smoking method of characterized in that the distancebetween the adjacent electrode plate and food product or betweenadjacent food products is 20 mm to 100 mm.

According to the smoking method there can be more assuredly preventedinitiation of discharge such as corona discharge or streamer dischargebetween the adjacent electrode plate and food product or between theadjacent food products.

The invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, is a smoking apparatuscomprising: a chamber 11 having opposite ends thereof formed with aninlet 11 a and an exit 11 b, respectively, transporting means 12 movedinto the chamber 11 from the inlet 11 a toward the exit 11 b, andadapted to transport a plurality of food products 19 spaced atpredetermined intervals, the food products 19 comprising farm products,marine products and livestock products or processed foods thereof, apair of electrode plates 13, 14 disposed within the chamber 11 atpredetermined distances from the food products 19, respectively, alongthe longitudinal direction of the transporting means 12 so as tointerpose the food products 19 between the pair of electrode plates 13,14, smoke generating means 16 for generating smoke to be adhered to andinfiltrated into the food products 19, and for introducing the smokeinto the chamber 11, and a high voltage generating circuit 17 adapted toapply a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the pair ofelectrode plates 13, 14 so as not to start discharge, and adapted toground the food products 19.

The smoking apparatus is an electric field generated which is incapableof initiating discharge between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 tothereby electrify the smoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres toand infiltrates into food products 19 by a Coulomb force based on theelectric potential difference between the pair of electrode plates 13,14. Further, since no discharge such as corona discharge is initiatedbetween the electrode plates 13, 14 and food products 19, theelectrified smoke uniformly adheres to and infiltrates into the foodproducts 19.

The invention as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or in FIG. 11, is a smokingapparatus comprising: supporting tools 71 a disposed within a chamber 71and adapted to support a plurality of food products 19, respectively, aplurality of electrode plates 73, 74 disposed between the food products19 supported by the supporting tools 71 a, at predetermined distancesfrom the food products 19, respectively, smoke generating means 16 forgenerating smoke to be adhered to and infiltrated into the food products19, and for introducing the smoke into the chamber 71, and a highvoltage generating circuit 17 adapted to apply a DC voltage or ACvoltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the plurality of food products 19 orbetween the plurality of electrode plates 73, 74 so as not to startdischarge.

Moreover, the smoking apparatus may have an electric field generatedwhich is incapable of initiating discharge between the electrode plates73, 74 or between food products 19 to thereby electrify the smoke, andthe thus electrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates into food products19 by a Coulomb force based on the electric potential difference betweenthe electrode plates 73, 74 or between food products 19.

The invention as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, is a smoking apparatuscomprising: first electrodes 111 disposed within a chamber 91, andelectrically connected to a plurality of first food products 101,respectively, second electrodes 112 disposed within the chamber 91, eachof second electrodes 112 disposed between the first electrodes 111 atpredetermined distances from the first electrodes 111 and electricallyconnected to a plurality of second food products 102, smoke generatingmeans 16 for generating smoke to be adhered to and infiltrated into thefirst and second food products 101, 102, and for introducing the smokeinto the chamber 91, and a high voltage generating circuit 17 adapted toapply a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the first andsecond electrodes 111, 112 so as not to start discharge.

In addition, the smoking apparatus may have an electric field generatedwhich is incapable of initiating discharge between the first and secondfood products 101, 102 to thereby electrify the smoke, and the thuselectrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates into first and second foodproducts 101, 102 by a Coulomb force based on the electric potentialdifference between the first and second food products 101, 102.

The invention is further characterized in that the distance between theadjacent electrode plate and food product or between adjacent foodproducts is 20 mm to 100 mm.

The smoking apparatus can also be characterized in that there can bemore assuredly prevented initiation of discharge such as coronadischarge or streamer discharge between the adjacent electrode plate andfood product or between the adjacent food products.

The invention as shown in FIG. 3, is a smoking apparatus characterizedin

that the high voltage generating circuit 17 includes a singletransformer 17 a for boosting the commercial frequency voltage up to anAC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV.

that opposite ends of a secondary coil 17 c of the transformer 17 a areelectrically connected to electrode plates 13, 14 or to food products19, respectively, and

that one end of an intermediate tapping electric wire 47 having theother end electrically connected to the food products 19 or to theelectrode plates 13, 14 is electrically connected to an intermediateportion of the secondary coil 17 c.

The smoking apparatus may also have one of the pair of electrode plates13, 14 or of food products 19 becoming plus when the other of the pairof electrode plates 13, 14 or of food products 19 becomes minus. Thus,the electrified smoke between the electrode plates 13, 14 or between thefood products 19 is immediately forced along the electric fieldgenerated between the electrode plates 13, 14 or between the foodproducts 19 to thereby adhere onto and infiltrate into the food products19.

The invention as shown in FIG. 15, is a smoking apparatus characterizedin

that the high voltage generating circuit 127 includes identical firstand second transformers 121, 122 for boosting the commercial frequencyvoltage up to an AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV,

that one ends of secondary coils 121 b, 122 b of the first and secondtransformers 121, 122 are electrically connected to electrode plates orto food products, respectively, and

that the other ends of the secondary coils 121 b, 122 b of the first andsecond transformers 121, 122 are electrically connected to food productsor to electrode plates, respectively, via common electric wire 123.

The smoking apparatus may also have the electrified smoke is immediatelyforced to adhere onto and infiltrate into the food products.

The invention as shown in FIG. 3 or in FIG. 15, is a smoking apparatuscharacterized in that the intermediate tapping electric wire 47 or thecommon electric wire 123 is provided with a diode 52 a, 53 a forrectifying the electric current flowing through the intermediate tappingelectric wire 47 or the common electric wire 123.

It also becomes possible to give a desired plus or minus electric chargeto the smoke. This ensures adherence and infiltration of the desiredsmoke onto and into food products, to thereby enable manufacture of asmoked food having a desired taste.

The invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, is a smoking apparatus ofanyone of claims 5 through 7, characterized in that the smoke generatingmeans 16 includes: a hopper 22 for storing a smoking material 21, ascrew conveyor 23 for transporting the smoking material 21, a burnheater 24 for incompletely burning the smoking material 21 transportedby the screw conveyor 23, to thereby generate smoke, and a smoke inlet26 a for introducing the smoke into the chamber 11.

The smoking apparatus is a simple supply of the smoking material 21 intothe hopper 22 enables automatic generation of the smoke and automaticintroduction of the smoke into the chamber 11. Further, since the flowrate of the smoke can be extremely reduced, the efficiency of adherenceand infiltration of the smoke onto and into food products 19 can beimproved.

The invention as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is a smoking apparatus furthercomprising: an ionizing electrode wire 39 provided across a smoke inlet26 a for passing the smoke therethrough, the ionizing electrode wire 39being applied with a DC voltage or AC voltage of 6 kV to 10 kV.

There is initiated streamer discharge between the ionizing electrodewire 39 and the smoke to thereby previously electrify the smoke.

Here, streamer discharge does mean discharge in which electronsaccelerated by an electric field collide with gaseous molecules so as tosuccessively ionize the gaseous molecules into a plasma state, tothereby convert a gas into a conductive matter. Note, during progressionof the streamer discharge, electrons are increased in an avalanchemanner, and there are observed plasma columns called streamers whichcomprise electrons and positive ions and are accompanied with lightgeneration.

The invention as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 12, is a smoking apparatus ofanyone of claims 5 through 7, further comprising: smoke circulatingmeans 77 or 97 for circulating the smoke introduced into the chamber 71or 91, wherein the smoke circulating means 77 or 97 comprises: acirculation duct 78 or 98 having opposite ends communicated to an upperpart and a lower part of the chamber 71 or 91, respectively, and a fan99 disposed within the circulation duct 78 or 98 so as to draw the smokeat the upper level within the chamber 71 or 91 into the upper end of thecirculation duct 78 or 98 and to discharge the smoke from the lower endof the circulation duct 78 or 98 into the chamber 71 or 91.

Also operation of the fan 99 causes the smoke at the upper level withinthe chamber 71 or 91 to be drawn into the upper end of the circulationduct 78 or 98 and then to be discharged into the chamber 71 or 91 fromthe lower end of the circulation duct 78 or 98. This enables circulationof the smoke introduced into the chamber 71 or 91, to thereby allowutilization of the smoke without wastefulness.

The invention as shown in FIG. 3, is a smoking apparatus of anyone ofclaims 5 through 7, characterized in that condiments are added into aliquid 57 c within a tank 57 b of a humidifier 57 for keeping thehumidity within the chamber 11 constant.

Also, operation of the humidifier 57 causes the condiments to beintroduced into the chamber 11 together with the liquid 57 c atomized bythe humidifier 57, to thereby adhere onto and infiltrate into foodproducts 19.

The invention as shown in FIG. 20, is a smoking apparatus characterizedin that the supporting tools 71 a and plurality of electrode plates 73,74, or the first and second electrodes, are provided on a rack 221 to beremovably moved into the chamber 71, and that the supporting tools 71 aand plurality of electrode plates 73, 74, or the first and secondelectrodes, are electrically connected to the high voltage generatingcircuit via contact type electric collector 222.

According to another embodiment attaching and removing food products 19a, 19 b to and from supporting tools 71 a or first and second electrodescan be conducted outside the chamber, thereby improving foodproductability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A—A of FIG. 2showing a smoking apparatus according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B—B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing smoke generatingmeans;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C—C of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing transitions of voltages applied between a pairof electrode plates when a changeover switch of an intermediate-taporiented electric wire of a high voltage generating circuit is turned toa first switching contact;

FIG. 7 is a graph showing transitions of voltages applied between thepair of electrode plates when the changeover switch of theintermediate-tap oriented electric wire of the high voltage generatingcircuit is turned to a second switching contact;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing transitions of voltages applied between thepair of electrode plates when the changeover switch of theintermediate-tap oriented electric wire of the high voltage generatingcircuit is turned to a third switching contact;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution showing a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an electrical diagram showing a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution showing a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D—D of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a view showing a high voltage generating circuit according toa fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a high voltage generating circuit according toa sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view showing a high voltage generating circuit according toa seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution showing smokegenerating means according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E—E of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution showing a ninthembodiment of the present invention, correspondingly to FIG. 9;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution including acontacting-type collector of the ninth embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a constitution showing a tenthembodiment of the present invention, correspondingly to FIG. 21.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

There will be firstly detailed first embodiment of the presentinvention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, reference numeral 10 designates a smokingapparatus comprising: a chamber 11 formed with an inlet 11 a and an exit11 b at opposite ends of the chamber 11; transporting means 12 movedinto the chamber 11 from the inlet 11 a toward the exit 11 b; a pair ofelectrode plates 13, 14 disposed along a longitudinal direction of thetransporting means 12 within the chamber 11; smoke generating means 16for generating smoke and introducing it into the chamber 11; and a highvoltage generating circuit 17 for applying a predetermined DC voltage orAC voltage between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14. The chamber 11is formed into a tumbled rectangular column (FIG. 2), and the inlet 11 aand exit 11 b of the chamber 11 are attached with electricallyinsulative curtains 18 in reed screen shapes, respectively, to prevent aworker from putting his/her hand into the chamber 11 (FIG. 1).

The transporting means 12 is a chain conveyor in this embodiment, andincludes: a driving sprocket 12 a rotatably mounted at an upper positionof the exit 11 b side of the chamber 11; a driven sprocket 12 brotatably mounted at an upper position of the inlet 11 a side of thechamber 11; and an endless chain 12 c wound around these sprockets 12 a,12 b (FIGS. 1 and 2). The driving sprocket 12 a is rotated by a drivingmotor 12 d. Projected at predetermined intervals from an outer peripheryof the chain 12 c is a plurality of hooks 12 e adapted to suspend aplurality of works 19, respectively, such as farm products, marineproducts, livestock products and processed foods thereof. The pair ofelectrode plates 13, 14 are disposed within the chamber 11 atpredetermined distances from the works 19 suspended from the hooks 12 e,respectively so as to interpose the works 19 between the pair ofelectrode plates 13, 14. Namely, the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 aremounted onto opposite inner surfaces of the chamber 11 via insulators 11c, respectively. The electrode plates 13, 14 are formed into mesh,punching metal or flat plate shapes, such as of aluminum, aluminumalloy, stainless steel, or titanium. Further, the works 19 areelectrically connected to the chain 12 c via hooks 12 e. Works 19include: fish and shellfish such as salmon, trout, crab, herring,scallop and squid; meat such as beef, pork, chicken; avian egg such ashen egg, quail egg; vegetables such as radish, carrot, burdock, celery,udo (Aralia cordata); and processed foods such as sausage, ham, beefjerky, bacon, cheese. The time length required by a work 19 suspendedfrom one hook 12 e to reach the exit 11 b from the inlet 11 a variesdepending on the sort of the work 19, and is suitably set at apredetermined time length between 5 minutes to 2 hours. Note, instead ofthe chain conveyor, it is possible to adopt a wire conveyor or rollerconveyor as the transporting means 12, and even a grounded cage to betransported through the chamber 11 at a predetermined speed.

The smoke generating means 16 is moved into the lower part of thechamber 11 from the inlet 11 a side (FIG. 1). As shown in detail inFIGS. 4 and 5, this smoke generating means 16 includes: a hopper 22 forstoring a mass of smoking material 21; a screw conveyor 23 fortransporting the smoking material 21; a burn heater 24 for incompletelyburning the smoking material 21 transported by the screw conveyor 23, tothereby generate smoke; and a smoke inlet 26 a for introducing the smokeinto the chamber 11. The smoking material 21 to be stored in the hopper22 preferably includes: wood chips such as cherry tree, beech, oak; andorange peel, straw, black tea leaf, green tea leaf, herb, sake lees,miso, pinecone, coffee beans, and seed of pickled plum. Further, thesmoke consists of a solid substance, a liquid substance and a gaseoussubstance (volatile substance), including: phenols such as guaiacol,eugenol; alcohols such as methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol; carbonylcompounds such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde; organic substances suchas formic acid and acetic acid; and carbohydrates such as benzene andtoluene. The screw conveyor 23 is housed within a rectangular columnbody 26, and comprises: a helical feeder 23 c including a rotary shaft23 a and a vane 23 b spirally fixed on the outer periphery of the rotaryshaft 23 a; a guiding cylinder 23 d into which the helical feeder 23 cis inserted; and an electric motor 23 e for rotatively driving thehelical feeder 23 c.

The burn heater 24 is coupled to the distal end of the guiding cylinder23 d via insulating spacer 27 such that the guiding cylinder 23 d andthe burn heater 24 are horizontally placed on a base 28 via supports 29,the base 28 being fixed within the rectangular column body 26. The burnheater 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape having inner and outerdiameters identical with those of the guiding cylinder 23 d,respectively, and is formed with an opening part 24 a throughout an areafrom the center to the distal end of the upper surface of the burnheater 24. The electric motor 23 e is mounted to an upper surface of theproximal end of the base 28 via first bracket 31. The helical feeder 23c is rotatably inserted into the guiding cylinder 23 d and burn heater24. The helical feeder 23 c has its near proximal end portion rotatablyheld by the proximal end of the guiding cylinder 23 d via bearing 33,and its distal end rotatably held by another bearing 33 and a secondbracket 32 mounted on,the upper surface of the distal end of the base28. The proximal end of the helical feeder 23 c is coupled to an outputshaft 23 f of the electric motor 23 e via coupling 34, while the lowerend of the hopper 22 is coupled to an upper surface of the guidingcylinder 23 d near the proximal end of this cylinder 23 d. The smokeinlet 26 a is formed in an upper surface at the distal end of therectangular column body 26. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 36 designates afan insertedly mounted at the proximal end of the rectangular columnbody 26 so as to feed the smoke from the smoke inlet 26 a into thechamber 11. Reference numeral 37 designates an ash tray placed on theupper surface of the base 28 near its distal end so as to receive ashes37 a left after combustion of the smoking material 21. Reference numeral38 designates a temperature sensor provided at the opening part 24 a ofthe burn heater 24 so as to detect the temperature of air (containingthe smoke) passing through the smoke inlet 26 a.

Provided across the smoke inlet 26 a is an ionizing electrode wire 39.This electrode wire 39 is preferably formed of a tungsten wire, and hasopposite ends connected with pulling coil springs 39 a, respectively,for providing the electrode wire 39 with a tensile force. Further, apair of electrically conductive plates 26 b, 26 b are mounted at theopposite sides of the inner surface of the smoke inlet 26 a, viainsulating plates 26 c, 26 c, respectively (FIG. 5). There is applied aDC voltage or AC voltage of 5 kV to 15 kV, and preferably 6 kV to 10 kV,between the electrode wire 39 and the electrically conductive plates 26b, 26 b. To initiate streamer discharge between the electrode wire 39and electrically conductive plates 26 b, 26 b, the distance between theelectrode wire 39 and each electrically conductive plate 26 b is set at8 to 15 mm, and preferably on the order of 10 mm. The electrode wire 39loosely carries thereon an insulating ring 39 b such as glass bead orglass sleeve upon flying out of electrons from the electrode wire 39,the electrode wire 39 may resonate as a reaction thereto to therebyvibrate, and the insulating ring 39 b is provided to restrict suchresonance.

As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the high voltage generating circuit 17includes a single transformer 17 a for boosting the commercial frequencyvoltage up to an AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV. This transformer 17 a hasits secondary coil 17 b connected to a commercial frequency power source46 of AC 100V or AC 200 V, via first controller 41. The first controller41 is constituted of a voltage regulator (SLIDAC), for example, foradjusting the commercial frequency voltage. Adjustment of this firstcontroller 41 allows to boost the voltage of a secondary coil 17 c ofthe transformer 17 a up to a predetermined voltage within a range of 7kV to 15 kV. Both ends of the secondary coil 17 c of the transformer 17a are electrically connected to the pair of electrode plates 13, 14,respectively, while the secondary coil 17 c and works 19 areelectrically connected via intermediate tapping electric wire 47. Thisintermediate tapping electric wire 47 has one end electrically connectedto works 19 via chain 12 c and hooks 12 e, and the other endelectrically connected to an intermediate portion of the secondary coil17 c. Note, works 19 are grounded via hook 12 e and chain 12 c.

The intermediate tapping electric wire 47 is provided with a changeoverswitch 48. This switch 48 includes: a single common contact 48 a; firstthrough third changeover contacts 48 b, 48 c, 48 d; and a movable piece48 e having one end connected to the common contact 48 a and other endswitchably connected to one of the first through third changeovercontacts 48 b, 48 c, 48 d. The first through third changeover contacts48 b, 48 c, 48 d are connected to the intermediate portion of thesecondary coil 17 c via first through third branching electric wires 51,52, 53. The second branching electric wire 52 is provided with a firstdiode 52 a for allowing an electric current from the second changeovercontact 48 c toward the secondary coil 17 c and inhibiting an oppositeelectric current, while the third branching electric wire 53 is providedwith a second diode 53 a for inhibiting an electric current from thethird changeover contact 48 d toward the secondary coil and allowing anopposite electric current.

Applied between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 is a DC voltage orAC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV, and preferably 8 kV to 12 kV, identicallywith that of the secondary coil 17 c of the transformer 17 a. Thedistances between the electrode plates 13, 14 and works 19 arepreferably set at 20 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 25 to 80 mm,respectively. Why the voltage to be applied between the pair ofelectrode plates 13, 14 is limited to a range of 7 kV to 15 kV is thatvoltages below 7 kV lead to insufficient electrification of the smokeand voltages exceeding 15 kV lead to initiation of discharge. Why thedistances between the electrode plates 13, 14 and works 19 are set at 20mm to 100 mm is that distances shorter than 20 mm leads to initiation ofdischarge and distances exceeding 100 mm lead to insufficientelectrification of the smoke. The voltage to be applied between the pairof electrode plates 13, 14 and the distances between the electrodeplates 13, 14 and works 19 have a proportional relationship assumingthat the electric field to be generated between the pair of electrodeplates 13, 14 is constant. These voltage and distances are appropriatelyset at optimum values within the aforementioned ranges, respectively.

Provided within the chamber 11 are a temperature sensor 54 (FIG. 3) fordetecting the temperature within the chamber 11, and a thermostaticheater 56 (FIGS. 1 through 3) for adjusting the temperature within thechamber 11. The thermostatic heater 56 is constituted to be controlledby a second controller 42 (FIG. 3), based on the detection output fromthe temperature sensor 54. Further, the burn heater 24 of the smokegenerating means 16 is controlled by a third controller 43, while therotational speed of the fan 36 is controlled by a fourth controller 44.The chamber 11 is further communicated with a humidifier 57 for keepingthe humidity within the chamber 11 constant, via duct (not shown). Thehumidifier 57 is an ultrasonic humidifier in this embodiment, andincludes an oscillation circuit 57 a electrically connected to thecommercial frequency power source 46, and an ultrasonic vibratingelement 57 d which is electrically connected to the oscillation circuit57 a and which is provided at a bottom of a tank 57 b.

The ultrasonic vibrating element 57 d is preferably constituted to bevibrated at a frequency of 28 kHz to 50 kHz, by the oscillation circuit57 a. The tank 57 b contains a liquid 57 c (such as water) added withcondiments. The condiments preferably include miso, soy sauce, salt,sugar, garlic, sweet sake, wine, or mixtures thereof. In FIG. 1,reference numeral 58 designates a controlling box. In FIGS. 1 and 2,reference numeral 11 d designates an exhaust duct for exhausting,together with air, the smoke introduced into the chamber 11, andreference numeral 11 e designates a mesh-like screen provided at thelower part of the chamber so as to catch foreign matters such as fallenfrom works 19. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 59 designates a main switch,and reference numeral 60 designates a high-voltage-generating-circuitoriented switch.

In this embodiment, the smoke introduced into the chamber is to beexhausted into the atmosphere from the exhaust duct. However, it ispossible to connect one end of a circulation duct to an intermediateportion of the exhaust duct, to connect the other end of the circulationduct to the lower part of the chamber, and to provide a fan within thecirculation duct. In this situation, operation of the fan causes thesmoke within the chamber to be again introduced into the lower part ofthe chamber through the circulation duct, thereby utilizing the smokewithout wastefulness.

Further, works are to be suspended from the transporting means, in theabove embodiment. However, works may be pinched by the transportingmeans or disposed on the transporting means, insofar as works can betransported by the transporting means at predetermined intervals.

There will be now described the operation of the thus constitutedsmoking apparatus.

Firstly, the smoking material 21 is stored within the hopper 22 and thesmoke generating means 16 is operated, to thereby apply a predeterminedDC voltage or AC voltage to the ionizing electrode wire 39. As thehelical feeder 23 c is rotatively driven by the electric motor 23 e, thesmoking material 21 within the hopper 22 is transported through theguiding cylinder 23 d up to the burn heater 24, and incompletely burntby the burn heater 24 to thereby generate smoke. This smoke goes upthrough the opening part 24 a of the burn heater 24, and is then carriedby the air stream caused by the fan 36 from the smoke inlet 26 a intothe chamber 11. In this way, simple supply of the smoking material 21into the hopper 22 allows automatic generation of the smoke by the smokegenerating means 16, and automatic introduction of the smoke into thechamber 11.

Further, controlling the rotational speed of the fan 36 by the fourthcontroller 44 allows an extremely lower flow rate of the smoke. Thisallows an extremely small flow of the smoke within the chamber 11,thereby allowing an improvement in an efficiency of adherence andinfiltration of the smoke to and into works 19. When the smoke passesthrough the smoke inlet 26 a, there has been started the streamerdischarge between the ionizing electrode wire 39 and the electricallyconductive plates 26 b, 26 b. Thus, there is also initiated streamerdischarge between the ionizing electrode wire 39 or electricallyconductive plates 26 b and the smoke. This allows electrification of alarge amount of smoke, before introduction thereof into the chamber 11.

Next, the transporting means 12 is operated when the smoke has spreadthroughout the interior of the chamber 11, so as to apply apredetermined AC voltage between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 bythe high voltage generating circuit 17 under a state where thechangeover switch 48 is switched to the first changeover contact 48 b.This causes a predetermined electric field incapable of initiatingdischarge between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14, so that the smokewhich has not been electrified is also electrified, thereby resulting inelectrification of substantially the whole of the smoke within thechamber 11. Under this condition, those works 19 hung on hooks 12 epositioned outside the inlet 11 a of the chamber 11 are brought into thechamber 11 via inlet 11 a up to between the pair of electrode plates 13,14, so that the electrified smoke is adhered to and infiltrated intoworks 19 by a Coulomb force based on the electric potential differencebetween the pair of electrode plates 13, 14.

The voltages to be applied to the pair of electrode plates 13, 14,respectively, vary in the manner shown in FIG. 6. Namely, viewed fromthe center point comprising the intermediate tapping electric wire 47,one of the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 becomes plus when the otherbecomes minus, one of the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 becomes minuswhen the other becomes plus, and the pair of electrode plates 13, 14alternately become plus and minus. As a result, the positivelyelectrified smoke is immediately forced along electric force linesbetween electrode plates 13, 14, and the negatively electrified smoke isimmediately forced in the direction opposite to the electric forcelines, to thereby adhere onto and infiltrate into the works 19, so thatthe electrified smoke can be effectively adhered to and infiltrated intothe works 19. The voltage to be applied between the pair of electrodeplates 13, 14 is low as compared with that in the conventionalelectrical smoking method, so that no discharge is initiated betweenthese electrode plates 13, 14. This allows an extremely low electriccurrent to be flowed between the electrode plates 13, 14, and only aslight amount of electric power consumption. Further, those ingredientssuch as phenols, alcohols and acetic acid included in the smoke adheredto and infiltrated into the works 19 will restrict development, growthand increase of bacteria within works 19, and bacteria within works 19will perish by placing works 19 within an electrostatic field asdescribed above. Namely, the smoking apparatus of the present inventionalso has an antibacterial and sterilizing effect. Note, the smoke alsoincludes ingredients such as: tar which adheres to and infiltrates intoworks 19 to thereby color works 19 in a particular color; and aromaticsfor providing works 19 with a specific aroma.

Further, application of a high frequency voltage to the ultrasonicvibrating element 57 d from the oscillation circuit 57 a cause vibrationof the ultrasonic vibrating element 57 d at an extremely high frequency.Thus, addition of condiments to the liquid 57 c within the tank 57 b ofthe humidifier 57 results in atomization of the liquid 57 c togetherwith the condiments upon transmission of the vibration to the liquid 57c. As a result, condiments atomized together with the liquid 57 c areintroduced into the chamber 11 through the duct (not shown), electrifiedbetween the pair of electrode plates 13, 14, and then adhered to andinfiltrated into works 19, to thereby deepen the taste of works 19.

Meanwhile, when the movable piece 48 e of the changeover switch 48 isswitched to the second changeover contact 48 c, the voltages to beapplied to the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 respectively, vary in themanner shown in FIG. 7. Namely, viewed from the center point comprisingthe intermediate tapping electric wire 47, one of the pair of electrodeplates 13, 14 becomes plus when the other becomes neutral, one of thepair of electrode plates 13, 14 becomes neutral when the other becomesplus, and the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 alternately become plus.As a result, it becomes possible to provide the smoke with a negativecharge between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 so as to assuredlyrender the desired smoke to adhere onto and infiltrate into works 19, tothereby enable manufacture of a smoked food having a desired taste.

Further, when the movable piece 48 e of the changeover switch 48 isswitched to the third changeover contact 48 d, the voltages to beapplied to the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 respectively, vary in themanner shown in FIG. 8. Namely, viewed from the center point comprisingthe intermediate tapping electric wire 47, one of the pair of electrodeplates 13, 14 becomes minus when the other becomes neutral, one of thepair of electrode plates 13, 14 becomes neutral when the other becomesminus, and the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 alternately become minus.As a result, it becomes possible to provide the smoke with a positivecharge between the pair of electrode plates 13, 14 so as to assuredlyrender the desired smoke to adhere onto and infiltrate into works 19, tothereby enable manufacture of a smoked food having a desired taste.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIGS. 1 and 3 are used to denote identicalelements in FIGS. 9 and 10.

This embodiment includes a chamber 71 formed in a box shape having adoor (not shown), and the chamber 71 is surrounded by a heat insulatingmaterial 72 (FIG. 9). Provided within the chamber 71 is a plurality ofsupporting tools 71 a constituted to be capable of suspending(supporting) works 19 therefrom. Further, there is provided a pluralityof electrode plates 73, 74 between the works 19 suspended from thesupporting tools 71 a, respectively, at predetermined distances from theworks 19, respectively. In this embodiment, the interior of the chamber71 is divided into a first sub-chamber 71 c and a second sub-chamber 71d, by a partition 71 b. The plurality of electrode plates 73, 74comprises first electrode plates 73 and second electrode plates 74,which are alternately arranged so as to interpose works 19 between them.The first electrode plates 73 are connected to one end of the secondarycoil 17 c of the high voltage generating circuit 17, and the secondelectrode plates 74 are connected to the other end of the secondary coil17 c. The other end of the intermediate tapping electric wire 47 iselectrically connected to works 19 via supporting tools 71 a, and works19 are grounded via supporting tools 71 a (FIG. 10). Similarly to thefirst embodiment, the distances between the electrode plates 73, 74 andworks 19 are preferably set at 20 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 25to 80 mm, respectively.

The smoke generating means 16 is constituted in the same manner as thefirst embodiment, and housed in the lower part of a controlling box 75.The smoke generated by the smoke generating means 16 is introduced intothe first and second sub-chambers 71 c, 71 d, through an introducingduct 76 a and a smoke inlet 76 b. In FIG. 9, reference numerals 39designate ionizing electrode wires. The smoke introduced into thechamber 71 is constitutionally circulated by smoke circulating means 77.This smoke circulating means 77 includes a circulation duct 78 havingopposite ends communicated with an upper part and a lower part of thechamber 71, respectively; and a fan (not shown) provided within thecirculation duct 78. The upper end of the circulation duct 78 iscommunicated with a merging portion of an exhaust duct 81 (FIG. 9). Theconstitution is such that operation of the fan causes the smoke at theupper level within the chamber 71 to flow into the upper end of thecirculation duct 78 via exhaust duct 81, to flow down within thecirculation duct 78, and then to be discharged into the chamber 71 fromthe lower end of the circulation duct 78.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 82 designates a door sensor which isturned off when the door is closed and turned on when the door isopened, and reference numeral 83 designates an electro-magnet forpassing an electric current so as to turn off thehigh-voltage-generating-circuit oriented switch 60 when the door isopened to thereby turn on the door sensor 82. The remaining constitutionis identical with that of the first embodiment. In this secondembodiment, works have been suspended from supporting tools. However,works may be pinched by the transporting means or disposed on thetransporting means, insofar as works can be transported by thetransporting means at predetermined intervals.

Redundant explanation shall be omitted concerning the thus constitutedsmoking apparatus, since its operation is substantially identical withthat of the first embodiment, except that the smoking apparatus of thesecond embodiment is of a batch type in which: works 19 are suspendedfrom supporting tools 71 a after opening the door, the predeterminedvoltage is then applied between the electrode plates 73, 74, and works19 are taken out from within the chamber 71 after a lapse of apredetermined period of time. In the smoking apparatus of this secondembodiment, works 19 are grounded to thereby avoid the risk of anelectrical shock upon erroneous touching at works 19 during operation ofthe smoking apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 10 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 11.

In this embodiment, one end of the secondary coil 17 c of the highvoltage generating circuit 17 is connected to first works 19 a of theplurality of works 19, the other end is connected to second works 19 b,and the other end of the intermediate tapping electric wire 47 isconnected to the plurality of electrode plates 73, 74. The first works19 a and second works 19 b are mutually juxtaposed between the electrodeplates 73, 74, respectively, and these electrode plates 73, 74 aregrounded. Similarly to the second embodiment, the distances between theadjacent electrode plates 73, 74 and works 19 a, 19 b are preferably setat 20 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 25 to 80 mm, respectively. Theremaining constitution is identical with that of the second embodiment.

Redundant explanation shall be omitted concerning the thus constitutedsmoking apparatus, since its operation is substantially identical withthat of the second embodiment.

FIGS. 12 through 14 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.Like reference numerals as used in FIGS. 9 and 10 are used to denoteidentical elements in FIGS. 12 through 14.

In this embodiment, provided within a chamber 91 are: a plurality offirst electrodes 111 capable of suspending a plurality of first works101, respectively, and being electrically connected to first works 101,respectively; and a plurality of second electrodes 112, each of which isdisposed between the first electrodes 111 and separated therefrom bypredetermined distances, in which the second electrodes 112 are capableof suspending a plurality of second works 102, respectively, andelectrically connected to the plurality of second works 102,respectively (FIG. 12 and FIG. 13). One end of the secondary coil 17 cof the high voltage generating circuit 17 is electrically connected tothe first works 101 via first electrodes 111, respectively, and theother end of the secondary coil 17 c is electrically connected to thesecond works 102 via second electrodes 112, respectively (FIG. 14).Further, the other end of the intermediate tapping electric wire 47 isgrounded, and no electrode plates are used. The distances betweenadjacent first works 101 and second works 102 are preferably set at 20mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 25 to 80 mm, respectively. In FIGS. 12and 13, reference numeral 97 designates smoke circulating means whichincludes: a circulation duct 98 having opposite ends communicated withthe upper and lower portions of the chamber 91; and a fan 99 forcirculating the smoke within the chamber 91. Communicated with the upperpart of the circulation duct 98 is an exhaust duct 100. The remainingconstitution is identical with that of the second embodiment.

Redundant explanation shall be omitted concerning the thus constitutedsmoking apparatus, since its operation is substantially identical withthat of the second embodiment.

Further, works have been suspended from the first and second electrodes,in the fourth embodiment. However, works may be constitutionally pinchedby the first electrodes and second electrodes, respectively, or disposedon the first and second electrodes, respectively.

FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 3 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 15.

In this embodiment, there is provided a high voltage generating circuit127 including identical first and second transformers 121, 122 forboosting the commercial frequency voltage up to an AC voltage at 3.5 kVto 7.5 kV, and preferably 4 kV to 6 kV. One ends of the first and secondsecondary coils 121 b, 122 b of the first and second transformers 121,122 are electrically connected to electrode plates (not shown),respectively, and the other ends of the first and second secondary coils121 b, 122 b of the first and second transformers 121, 122 areelectrically connected to works (not shown) via common electric wire123. Similarly to the first embodiment, the first through thirdbranching electric wires 51, 52, 53 are connected to the common electricwire 123, and the second and third branching electric wire 52, 53 areprovided with first and second diodes 52 a, 53 a. In FIG. 15, referencenumerals 121 a, 122 a designate primary coils of the first and secondtransformers 121, 122, respectively. The remaining constitution isidentical with that of the first embodiment.

In the thus constituted smoking apparatus, the electric potentialdifference between one electrode plate and the other electrode platebecomes larger than that in the first embodiment, assuming that thevoltage of the commercial frequency power source is kept constant. Thus,the electrified smoke rapidly adheres onto works. Redundant explanationshall be omitted concerning the thus constituted smoking apparatus,since its operation is substantially identical with that of the firstembodiment.

Note, the high voltage generating circuit of this embodiment may beapplied to the second through fourth embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 10 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 16.

In this embodiment, one end of the secondary coil 17 c of a high voltagegenerating circuit 147 is connected to all of the electrode plates (notshown), the other end of the secondary coil 17 c is connected to works(not shown), and no intermediate tapping electric wires are used. InFIG. 16, reference numeral 17 a designates a transformer, and referencenumeral 17 b designates a primary coil. The remaining constitution isidentical with that of the second embodiment.

In the thus constituted smoking apparatus, electrode plates have surfaceareas larger than those of works. Further, when one electrode plate isplus, the other electrode plate is also plus. When one electrode plateis minus, the other electrode plate is also minus. Thus, the efficiencyof adherence and infiltration of electrified smoke is slightlydeteriorated. Nonetheless, it is still possible to render theelectrified smoke to adhere onto and infiltrate into works. Redundantexplanation shall be omitted concerning the thus constituted smokingapparatus, since its operation is substantially identical with that ofthe first embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 14 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 17.

In this embodiment, connected to the secondary coil 17 c of a highvoltage generating circuit 167 are third through sixth diodes 163 to166, and a twin switch 161. Among the third through sixth diodes 163 to166, the third and fourth diodes 163, 164 are serially connected to eachother, fifth and sixth diodes 165, 166 are serially connected to eachother, and the third and fourth diode 163, 164 and the fifth and sixthdiodes 165, 166 are connected parallelly to each other. Further, thenode between the third diode 163 and fourth diode 164 is connected toone end of the secondary coil 17 c, and the node between the fifth diode165 and sixth diode 166 is connected to the other end of the secondarycoil 17 c. The twin switch 161 includes: first and second commoncontacts 161 a, 161 b; first through fourth changeover contacts 161 cthrough 161 f; and first and second movable pieces 161 g, 161 h. Thefirst changeover contact 161 c is connected to one end of the secondarycoil 17 c, and the second changeover contact 161 d is connected to thethird and fifth diodes 163, 165. Further, the third changeover contact161 e is connected to the fourth and sixth diodes 164, 166, and thefourth changeover contact 161 f is connected to the other end of thesecondary coil 17 c. The first common contact 161 a is connected tofirst works 101, and the second common contact 161 b is connected tosecond works 102.

The twin switch 161 is a manual changeover switch, and constituted to beswitchable under an OFF state of the high-voltage-generating-circuitoriented switch 60. Reference numeral 171 designates a safety switch,reference numeral 172 designates a high resistance resistor, andreference numeral 173 designates a capacitor. Further, reference numeral174 designates a safety electro-magnet for turning on the safety switch171, and reference numeral 177 designates an operating-switch-orientedelectro-magnet for turning on the magnetic operating switch 176. Theremaining constitution is identical with that of the fourth embodiment.

In the thus constituted smoking apparatus, there is applied an ACvoltage between first and second works 101, 102, by turning ON thehigh-voltage-generating-circuit oriented switch 60 after switching themovable pieces 161 g, 161 h of the twin switch 161 into the chain linepositions in a state that the high-voltage-generating-circuit orientedswitch 60 is kept off. Further, there is applied a DC voltage betweenfirst and second works 101, 102, by turning ON thehigh-voltage-generating-circuit oriented switch 60 after switching themovable pieces 161 g, 161 h of the twin switch 161 into the solid linepositions in a state that the high-voltage-generating-circuit orientedswitch 60 is kept off. Application of a DC voltage between first andsecond works 101, 102 turns first works 101 into positive electrodes andsecond works 102 into negative electrodes, in this embodiment. As aresult, the negatively electrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates intofirst works 101 and the positively electrified smoke adheres to andinfiltrates into to second works 102, so that first and second works101, 102 are finished into smoked foods having tastes different fromeach other.

Further, when the door is opened after a DC voltage is applied betweenthe first and second works 101, 102, the door sensor 82 is turned on soas to flow an electric current through the operating-switch-orientedelectro-magnet 177 to thereby turn on the magnetic operating switch 176.Turning on the magnetic operating switch 176 leads to a flow of anelectric current through the safety electro-magnet 174 to thereby turnon the safety switch 171. As a result, the electric charge accumulatedin the first and second works 101, 102 are immediately discharged at thesafety switch 171 and resistor 172, thereby avoiding an electrical shockof a worker even upon contacting with the first and second works 101,102. Redundant explanation shall be omitted concerning the thusconstituted smoking apparatus, since its operation is substantiallyidentical with that of the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, smoke generating means 196 includes: verticallyextending two cylindrical bodies 191, 191; smoke generating cylinders192, 192 which are formed by spirally winding rods at a predeterminedspacing therebetween and housed within the cylindrical bodies 191, 191,respectively; ash trays 193 provided below the cylindrical bodies 191,191, respectively; a guiding cylinder 194 disposed adjacent to thecylindrical body 191 and communicated with the lower end of thecylindrical bodies 191, 191 to thereby guide the smoke therefrom; asmoke outflow pipe 197 communicated to the side surface of the guidingcylinder 194; and a blower (not shown) provided in the smoke outflowpipe 197. The two cylindrical bodies 191, 191 are formed integrally withthe guiding cylinder 194. The guiding cylinder 194 is constituted suchthat the smoke is guided through a path in an inverted “U” shapeprovided by an upstanding partition plate 198 within the guidingcylinder 194. Communicated to the upper surface of the guiding cylinder194 is an air introducing pipe 201, via switching damper 199. Theswitching damper 199 is switched to communicate the air introducing pipe201 to one of the cylindrical bodies 191, 191. In FIG. 18, referencenumeral 202 designates a flow rate adjusting damper for adjusting theair amount to be introduced, and reference numeral 203 designates a wiremesh for preventing passage of an unburnt smoking material and forallowing passage of the ash of the burnt smoking material.

In the thus constituted smoking apparatus, when the blower is operatedin a state where the smoking material is stored within the cylindricalbody 191 inserted with the smoke generating cylinder 192, air isintroduced through the air introducing pipe 201 into the cylindricalbody 191, flowed down in the cylindrical body 191 and then through theguiding cylinder 194, and thereafter blown out of the smoke outflow pipe197. Firing the upper end of the smoking material in this state leads toincomplete combustion of the smoking material to cause la smoke, andthis smoke is carried by the air stream and blown out of the smokeoutflow pipe 197 into the chamber (not shown).

FIGS. 20 and 21 show a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 9 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 20.

In this embodiment, supporting tools 71 a and electrode plates 73, 74are provided in racks 221 to be removably moved into the chamber 71, andthe supporting tools 71 a and electrode plates 73, 74 are electricallyconnected to the high voltage generating circuit via contact typeelectric collectors 222, respectively. Racks 221 are formed intorectangular parallelepipeds, respectively, and are attached with wheels221 a. Each contact type electric collector 222 includes a feedingportion 223 fixed at the upper part within the chamber 71, and areceiving portion 224 fixed at the upper end of the rack 221. Thefeeding portion 223 comprises: a cylindrical body 223 b having a lead223 a inserted therein; a slider holder 223 c attached to the lower endof the cylindrical body 223 b; a slider 223 d vertically slidablyinserted in the slider holder 223 c; and an upper contact shoe 223 eattached to the lower end of the slider 223 d. The cylindrical body 223b and slider holder 223 c are formed of an electrical insulatingmaterial, and the slider 223 d and upper contact shoe 223 e are formedof an electrical conductive material. The lower end of the lead 223 a isconnected to the upper end of the slider 223 d, and the upper end of thelead 223 a is connected to the high voltage generating circuit or isgrounded. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 223 f designates a compressedcoil spring for urging the upper contact shoe 223 e in a pushing downdirection.

The receiving portion 224 comprises: a receiving body 224 a attachedwith the supporting tool 71 a or electrode plate 73 or 74 at the lowerend of the body 224 a; and a lower contact shoe 224 b attached to theupper end of the receiving body 224 a and adapted to contact with theupper contact shoe 223 e. The receiving body 224 a and lower contactshoe 224 b are formed of an electrical conductive material. The uppercontact shoe 223 e is curvedly formed in a substantially “U” shape, andthe upper surface of the lower contact shoe 224 b is curvedly formed ina substantially inverted “U” shape.

In this embodiment, first works 19 a are connected to one end of thesecondary coil of the high voltage generating circuit, second works 19 bare connected to the other end of the secondary coil, and the electrodeplates 73, 74 are grounded. Namely, the connecting manner to the highvoltage generating circuit and the grounding manner of the works 19 a,19 b and electrode plates 73, 74 are the same as the third embodiment.The remaining constitution is identical with that of the secondembodiment.

In the thus constituted smoking apparatus, works 19 a, 19 b aresuspended from the supporting tools 71 a of the racks 221 outside thechamber 71, respectively, and then the racks 221 are traveled on a slopeplate (not shown) bridged between the floor and the chamber 71. As theracks 221 are housed in the chamber 71, the lower contact shoes 224 b ofthe receiving portions 224 are contacted with the upper contact shoes223 e of the feeding portions 223, respectively. When the door is closedto thereby turn on the high-voltage-generating-circuit oriented switch(not shown), there is applied a predetermined voltage between works 19a, 19 b similarly to the third embodiment. After completion of a smokingprocess, the high-voltage-generating-circuit oriented switch is turnedoff and the door is opened, the racks 221 are drawn out of the chamber71, and then works 19 a, 19 b are removed from the supporting tools 71 aof the racks 221. In this way, attaching and removing works 19 a, 19 bto and from supporting tools 71 a can be conducted outside the chamber71, thereby improving workability.

In this embodiment, first works are connected to the one end of thesecondary coil of the high voltage generating circuit, second works areconnected to the other end of the secondary coil, and the electrodeplates are grounded. However, similarly to the second embodiment, one ofthe electrode plates may be connected to the one end of the secondarycoil, the other of the electrode plates may be connected to the otherend of the secondary coil, and works may be grounded.

Further, the smoking apparatus of this embodiment may be applied to thatof the fourth embodiment. Namely, it is possible to provide first andsecond electrodes on a rack adapted to be removably moved into thechamber, and to electrically connect the first and second electrodes tothe high voltage generating circuit via contact type collectors.

FIG. 22 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Likereference numerals as used in FIG. 21 are used to denote identicalelements in FIG. 22.

This embodiment is constituted identically with the ninth embodiment,except that: the tenth embodiment uses a leaf spring as an upper contactshoe 243 e of a feeding portion 243 of a contact type collector 242, tothereby omit the slider, slider holder and compressed coil spring in theninth embodiment.

In the operation of the thus constituted smoking apparatus, the numberof parts of the feeding portion 243 of the contact type collector 242 isless than that of the ninth embodiment, to thereby enabling reduction ofthe number of assembling processes of the feeding portion 243. Redundantexplanation shall be omitted concerning the thus constituted smokingapparatus, since its operation is substantially identical with that ofthe ninth embodiment.

According to the present invention as described above, grounded worksare transported by the transporting means at a predetermined speed intothe;chamber into which the smoke is introduced, and the voltage of 7 kVto 15 kV is applied between the pair of electrode plates arranged tointerpose therebetween works along the transporting means within thechamber so as not to start discharge. Thus, there is generated apredetermined electric field incapable of initiating discharge betweenthe pair of electrode plates to thereby electrify the smoke, and thethus electrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates into works by aCoulomb force based on the electric potential difference between thepair of electrode plates. This results in a lower voltage to be appliedbetween the pair of electrode plates and in a smaller amount of anelectric current, to thereby reduce the electric power consumption.Further, because discharge such as corona discharge is not initiatedbetween the electrode plates and works, the electrified smoke uniformlyadheres to and infiltrates into works.

Further, by introducing the smoke into the chamber containing thereinworks and electrode plates alternately arranged with each other atpredetermined intervals, and by applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7kV to 15 kV between the electrode plates or between works so as not toinitiate discharge, there is generated an electric field incapable ofinitiating discharge between the electrode plates or between works tothereby electrify the smoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres toand infiltrates into works by a Coulomb force based on the electricpotential difference between the electrode plates or between works. Thisresults in the same effect as the above.

Moreover, by arranging first and second electrodes at a predeterminedinterval within the chamber, by introducing the smoke into the chamber,by electrically connecting first and second works to the first andsecond electrodes, respectively, and by applying a DC voltage or ACvoltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the first and second electrodes so asnot to initiate discharge, there is generated an electric fieldincapable of initiating discharge between the first and second works tothereby electrify the smoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres toand infiltrates into the first and second works by a Coulomb force basedon the electric potential difference between the first and second works.This results in the same effect as the above.

By setting the distance between the adjacent electrode plate and work orbetween adjacent works at 20 mm to 100 mm, there can be more assuredlyprevented initiation of discharge such as corona discharge or streamerdischarge between the adjacent electrode plate and work or between theadjacent works.

Further, by inserting the transporting means into the chamber formedwith the inlet and outlet at opposite ends of the chamber, bytransporting the works spaced at predetermined intervals by thetransporting means, by providing the pair of electrode plates along thelongitudinal direction of the transporting means so as to interposeworks between the electrode plates, by generating the smoke andintroducing it into the chamber by the smoke generating means, and bygrounding works and applying a voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between the pairof electrode plates by the high voltage generating circuit so as not tostart discharge, there is generated an electric field incapable ofinitiating discharge between the pair of electrode plates to therebyelectrify the smoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres to andinfiltrates into the works by a Coulomb force based on the electricpotential difference between the pair of electrode plates, similarly tothe above. This results in a lower voltage to be applied between thepair of electrode plates and in a smaller amount of an electric current,to thereby reduce the electric power consumption and, to therebydownsize the whole apparatus. Further, because discharge such as coronadischarge is not initiated between the electrode plates and works, theelectrified smoke uniformly adheres to and infiltrates into works.

By supporting works by the supporting tools disposed within the chamber,by providing electrode plates between these works, by generating thesmoke and introducing it into the chamber by the smoke generating means,and by applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV betweenworks or the electrode plates so as not to initiate discharge, there isgenerated an electric field incapable of initiating discharge betweenthe electrode plates or between works to thereby electrify the smoke,and the thus electrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates into works bya Coulomb force based on the electric potential difference between theelectrode plates or between works. This results in the same effect asthe above.

Moreover, by electrically connecting first and second works to first andsecond electrodes alternately disposed within the chamber, respectively,by generating the smoke and introducing it into the chamber by the smokegenerating means, and by applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to15 kV between the first and second electrodes so as not to initiatedischarge, there is generated an electric field incapable of initiatingdischarge between the first and second works to thereby electrify thesmoke, and the thus electrified smoke adheres to and infiltrates intothe first and second works by a Coulomb force based on the electricpotential difference between the first and second works. This results inthe same effect as the above.

When the high voltage generating circuit has a single transformer forboosting the commercial frequency voltage up to an AC voltage of 7 kV to15 kV, when both ends of this transformer are electrically connected toelectrode plates or to works, and when the other end of the intermediatetapping electric wire having its one end electrically connected to worksor electrode plates is electrically connected to an intermediate portionof the secondary coil, one of the pair of electrode plates or of theworks becomes plus when the other becomes minus so that the electrifiedsmoke between the electrode plates or between works is immediatelyforced along the electric field generated between the electrode platesor between the works to thereby adhere onto and infiltrate into theworks. This allows efficient adherence and infiltration of theelectrified smoke onto and into works.

When the high voltage generating circuit has identical first and secondtransformers for boosting the commercial frequency voltage up to an ACvoltage of 7 kV to 15 kV, when one ends of the transformers areelectrically connected to electrode plates or to works, respectively,and when the other ends of the secondary coils of the first and secondtransformers are electrically connected to the works or electrode platesvia common electric wire, the electrified smoke immediately adheres toand infiltrates into works. This allows efficient adherence andinfiltration of the electrified smoke onto and into works.

Further, by providing the intermediate tapping electric wire or thecommon electric wire with diodes for rectifying the electric currentflowing through the pertinent electric wire, it becomes possible to givea desired plus or minus electric charge to the smoke. This ensuresadherence and infiltration of the desired smoke onto and into works, tothereby enable manufacture of a smoked food having a desired taste.

By storing the smoking material in the hopper of the smoke generatingmeans, by transporting this smoking material by a screw conveyor, and byincompletely burning the thus transported smoking material by the burnheater to thereby generate the smoke and introduce it into the chamber,simple supply of the smoking material into the hopper enables automaticgeneration of the smoke and automatic introduction of the smoke into thechamber. Further, since the flow rate of the smoke can be extremelyreduced, the efficiency of adherence and infiltration of the smoke ontoand into works can be improved.

By providing the ionizing electrode wire across the smoke inlet, and byapplying a voltage of 6 kV to 10 kV to the ionizing electrode wire,there is initiated streamer discharge between the ionizing electrodewire and the smoke to thereby previously electrify the smoke. As aresult, it becomes possible to adhere and infiltrate the smoke onto andinto the work more rapidly. Further, the streamer discharge requires anelectric current less than that for corona discharge, so that theincrease in the electric power consumption is only a little.

Further, by communicating opposite ends of the circulation duct of thesmoke circulating means to the upper part and lower part of the chamber,respectively, and by providing the fan within the circulation duct,operation of the fan causes the smoke at the upper level within thechamber to be drawn into the upper end of the circulation duct and thento be discharged into the chamber from the lower end of the circulationduct. This enables circulation of the smoke introduced into the chamber,to thereby allow utilization of the smoke without wastefulness.

By adding condiments into the liquid within the tank of the humidifierfor keeping the humidity within the chamber constant, operation of thehumidifier causes the condiments to be introduced into the chambertogether with the liquid atomized by the humidifier, to thereby adhereonto and infiltrate into works. As a result, works are finished intosmoked foods having deepened tastes.

Further, by providing supporting tools and electrode plates or first andsecond electrodes on the rack to be removably moved into the chamber,and by electrically connecting the supporting tools and electrode platesor first and second electrodes to the high voltage generating circuitvia contact type collectors, attaching and removing works to and fromsupporting tools or first and second electrodes can be conducted outsidethe chamber, thereby improving workability.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The smoking method and apparatus of the present invention renders thesmoke to adhere onto and infiltrate into farm products, marine productsand livestock products or processed foods thereof, making use of aCoulomb force of the aforementioned farm products and the like and thesmoke electrified in the electric field when the smoke is to be adheredto and infiltrated into the aforementioned farm products and the like.This enables: uniform adherence and infiltration of the smoke onto andinto works such as the aforementioned farm products and the like; animproved quality of smoked foods; and utilization of the smoke withoutwastefulness.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking method comprising the steps of:introducing smoke into a chamber having opposite ends thereof formedwith an inlet and an exit, an electrically insulative curtain beingattached thereto, respectively, transporting grounded foods at apredetermined speed into said chamber by transporting means, said foodscomprising farm products, marine products and livestock products orprocessed foods thereof, and applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kVto 15 kV between a pair of electrode plates disposed along saidtransporting means within said chamber so as to interpose the foodsbetween said pair of electrode plates under the starting voltage.
 2. Asmoking method comprising the steps of: introducing smoke into a chamberhaving an electrically insulative curtain, wherein the chamber containsfoods and electrode plates alternately arranged with each other atpredetermined intervals, and applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kVto 15 kV between said electrode plates or between the foods, under thestarting voltage.
 3. A smoking method comprising the steps of:introducing smoke into a chamber having an electrically insulativecurtain, wherein the chamber contains first and second electrodearranged at predetermined intervals, and electrically connecting firstand second foods to said first and second electrodes, respectively, andapplying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between said firstand second electrodes under the starting voltage.
 4. A smoking method ofany one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the distance between theelectrode plate and foods being adjacent to the electrode plate orbetween adjacent foods is 20 mm to 100 mm.
 5. A smoking apparatuscomprising: a chamber having opposite ends thereof formed with an inletand an exit an electrically insulative curtain being attached thereto,respectively, transporting means moved into said chamber from said inlettoward said exit, and for transporting a plurality of foods spaced atpredetermined intervals, the foods comprising farm products, marineproducts and livestock products or processed foods thereof, a pair ofelectrode plates disposed within said chamber at predetermined distancesfrom the foods, respectively, along the longitudinal direction of saidtransporting means so as to interpose the foods between said pair ofelectrode plates, smoke generating means for generating smoke to beadhered to and infiltrated into the foods, and for introducing the smokeinto said chamber, and a high voltage generating circuit adapted toapply a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between said pair ofelectrode plates under the starting voltage, and to ground the foods. 6.A smoking apparatus comprising: supporting tools disposed within achamber having an electrically insulative curtain, wherein thesupporting tools support a plurality of foods at predeterminedintervals, respectively, a plurality of electrode plates disposedbetween said foods supported by said supporting tools (71 a), atpredetermined distances from the foods, respectively smoke generatingmeans for generating smoke to be adhered to and infiltrated into thefoods, and for introducing the smoke into said chamber, and a highvoltage generating circuit for applying a DC voltage or AC voltage of 7kV to 15 kV between said plurality of electrode plates or between theplurality of foods under the starting voltage.
 7. A smoking apparatuscomprising: first electrodes disposed within a chamber having anelectrically insulative curtain, and electrically connected to aplurality of first foods, respectively, second electrodes disposedwithin said chamber, each of second electrodes disposed between saidfirst electrodes at predetermined distances from said first electrodesand electrically connected to a plurality of second foods, smokegenerating means for generating smoke to be adhered to and infiltratedinto the first and second foods, and for introducing the smoke into saidchamber, and a high voltage generating circuit adapted to apply a DCvoltage or AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV between said first and secondelectrodes under the starting voltage.
 8. A smoking apparatus of any oneof claims 5 through 7, wherein the distance between the electrode plateand foods being adjacent to the electrode plate or between adjacentfoods is 20 mm to 100 mm.
 9. A smoking apparatus of any one of claims 5through 7, wherein said high voltage generating circuit includes asingle transformer for boosting the commercial frequency voltage up toan AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV, wherein opposite ends of a secondarycoil of said transformer are electrically connected to electrode platesor to foods, respectively, and wherein one end of an intermediatetapping electric wire having the other end electrically connected to thefoods or to said electrode plates is electrically connected to anintermediate portion of said secondary coil.
 10. A smoking apparatus ofany one of claims 5 through 7, wherein said high voltage generatingcircuit includes identical first and second transformers for boostingthe commercial frequency voltage up to an AC voltage of 7 kV to 15 kV,wherein one ends of secondary coils of said first and secondtransformers are electrically connected to electrode plates or to foods,respectively, and wherein the other ends of said secondary coils of saidfirst and second transformers are electrically connected to foods or toelectrode plates, respectively, via common electric wire.
 11. A smokingapparatus of claim 9, wherein said intermediate tapping electric wire orsaid common electric wire is provided with a diode for rectifying theelectric current flowing through said intermediate tapping electric wireor said common electric wire.
 12. A smoking apparatus of any one ofclaims 5 through 7, wherein said smoke generating means includes ahopper for storing a smoking material, a screw conveyor for transportingthe smoking material, a burn heater for incompletely burning the smokingmaterial transported by said screw conveyor, to thereby generate smoke,and a smoke inlet for introducing the smoke into said chamber.
 13. Asmoking apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: an ionizing electrodewire provided across a smoke inlet for passing the smoke therethrough,said ionizing electrode wire being applied with a DC voltage or ACvoltage of 6 kV to 10 kV.
 14. A smoking apparatus of any one of claims 5through 7, further comprising smoke circulating means for circulatingthe smoke introduced into said chamber, wherein said smoke circulatingmeans comprises: a circulation duct having opposite ends communicated toan upper part and a lower part of said chamber, respectively, and a fandisposed within said circulation duct for drawing the smoke at the upperlevel within said chamber into the upper end of said circulation ductand for discharging the smoke from the,lower end of said circulationduct into said chamber.
 15. A smoking apparatus of any one of claims 5through 7, wherein condiments are added into a liquid within a tank of ahumidifier for keeping the humidity within said chamber constant.
 16. Asmoking apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein said supporting tools andplurality of electrode plates, or said first and second electrodes, areprovided on a rack to be removably moved into said chamber, and whereinsaid supporting tools and plurality of electrode plates, or said firstand second electrodes, are electrically connected to said high voltagegenerating circuit via contact type electric collector.
 17. A smokingapparatus of claim 10, wherein said intermediate tapping electric wireor said common electric wire is provided with a diode for rectifying theelectric current flowing through said intermediate tapping electric wireor said common electric wire.